Pilates Aquatics Device

ABSTRACT

A Pilates Aquatics Device (PAD) including a board, the board being generally rectangular, planar, buoyant, and having top and bottom surfaces, first and second sides that are generally parallel to one another with a longitudinal axis midway there between, first and second ends generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, and a strap defining three loops on the top surface of the board, the loops aligned along the axis, the loops defining openings perpendicular to the axis for insertion of a user&#39;s hands or feet to control the PAD.

BACKGROUND History of Pilates

Pilates is a system of movement, exercise, health and lifestyle that wasoriginally developed by Joseph and Clara Pilates in the first half ofthe 20^(th) century. Joseph Hubertus Pilates originally named his method“Contrology” which integrates the disciplines of Eastern philosophieswith the rigors of western athleticism to develop and balance the bodyand mind for perfect health.

Joseph Pilates invented many apparatus to assist the clients inaccomplishing their movements with greater ease. He invented TheCadillac, The Universal Reformer, The Wunda Chair, The High Chair, ThePed-a-Pul, The Ladder Barrel, The Spine Corrector, The Toe Corrector,the Foot Corrector, The Magic Circle and many other devices.

Pilates is a widely accepted and popular form of movement to enhancehealth, performance, flexibility, strength, posture, gait and alignment.These movements or skills comprise what is known as the PilatesRepertoire. Joseph Pilates believed the key to longevity was a free andunencumbered spine. It is practiced worldwide by a variety of people,from the severely injured and pregnant, to elite athletes, dancers andactors. Doctors often recommend the practice of Pilates to recover fromand prevent injuries, back pain and other problems.

There are many books written about the Pilates Method which include thefollowing: Return to Life by Joseph Pilates, Movement Perspectives™ andTeaching the Universal Reformer Repertoire by Jennifer Stacey, M S.,Pilates by Rael Isacowitz, Pilates for Dummies by Ellie Herman, ThePilates Body by Brooke Siler, A M, Pilates by Jillian Hessel, and EveryBody Beautiful by Ron Fletcher. There are many DVDs on Pilates.

History of Exercise in Water

Many people swim and do water aerobics and strength training in poolsaround the world. People have used numerous forms of flotation devicesto aid in their workouts. The kick board is commonly used for trainingswimmers' legs. It comes in many shapes and sizes. They are held by aswimmer, in front of the swimmer, while the swimmer is prone (or supine)and flutter-kicking the legs, while doing laps in the pool. There areflotation devices like the pull buoy that can be placed between the legsto allow the swimmer to use only the arms when doing laps. Wateraerobics classes often use swim noodles, aquatics dumbbells, and tubing.Children use swim noodles and water wings to play safely in the pool.Swimmers use hand paddles and fins to propel themselves through thewater more quickly.

History of Pilates Exercise in Water:

Over the last decade, a few people in America, England and Brazil havetaught some of the Pilates exercises in the pool using the wall of thepool, swim noodles and single kick boards. Some people claim to teachPilates in the pool, when in fact the movements they teach are often notPilates skills.

What is needed to teach Pilates skills is a new form of apparatus thatcan be used in the water.

SUMMARY

Exemplary embodiments disclose mechanisms and devices for the classicPilates Repertoire to be performed in a swimming pool or any serviceablebody of water. A person who is a student of Pilates, or a more advancedpractitioner of the skill, will be referred to hereinafter,interchangeably, as a “person,” “user,” or “student.”

The structural features of an exemplary Pilates Aquatics Device(hereinafter interchangeable with PAD) includes its ergonomic shaping,its relative buoyancy, the degree of resistance to passage throughwater, and the dimensions and shaping that create the potential for theuser to beneficially exercise muscle groups while controlling the PAD.

The dimensions, material, placement of openings and straps all combineto provide a novel experience for the user and more specifically thepotential for using the exemplary device to practice the PilatesRepertoire without resort to the expensive and space-consuming apparatusformerly needed for such practice. The user can perform the PilatesRepertoire in water with the aid of the Pilates Aquatics Device.

In the past, dedicated Pilates apparatus has been needed to practicePilates exercises (also referred to as the Pilates Repertoire).Exemplary embodiments are directed to a device that facilitates theseexercises in an aquatic environment.

In accordance with exemplary embodiments, the PAD comprises a board thatis generally rectangular, planar, buoyant, and has top and bottomsurfaces, first and second ends, and sides that are generally parallelto one another with a longitudinal axis midway there-between. The firstand second ends are generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. Astrap defining three loops is provided on the top surface of the board,the loops are aligned along the axis and define openings perpendicularto the longitudinal axis for insertion of a user's hands or feet tocontrol the PAD.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the PAD;

FIG. 1A is a partial perspective cross-sectional view of the PAD, takenalong section line A-A in FIG. 1;

FIG. 1B is an alternate embodiment of the PAD, taken along section lineA-A as shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 2A illustrates the Cadillac;

FIG. 2B illustrates the Pilates Chair;

FIG. 2C illustrates the Universal Reformer (Reformer);

FIG. 2D is a side view of the Pilates Chair shown in FIG. 2B;

FIG. 2E illustrates the Pilates Mat with moon boxes;

FIG. 2F illustrates the Ped-a-pol;

FIG. 3A illustrates performance of footwork on the Wunda Chair;

FIG. 3B illustrates performance of footwork using the PAD;

FIG. 4A illustrates performance of the Leg Pull on The Wunda Chair;

FIG. 4B illustrates performance of the Leg Pull using the PAD;

FIG. 5A illustrates the Reverse Swan performed on The Wunda Chair;

FIG. 5B illustrates the Reverse Swan performed using the PAD;

FIG. 6A illustrates the Twist performed on The Wunda chair;

FIG. 6B illustrates the Twist performed using the PAD;

FIG. 7A illustrates the Sidearm Pull performed on The Ped-a-Pol;

FIG. 7B illustrates the Sidearm Pull performed using the PAD;

FIG. 8A illustrates the One Hundred performed on The Reformer;

FIG. 8B illustrates the One Hundred performed using the PAD;

FIG. 9A illustrates the Knee Stretches performed on The Reformer;

FIG. 9B illustrates the Knee Stretches performed using the PAD;

FIG. 10A illustrates the Star performed on The Reformer;

FIG. 10B illustrates the Star performed using the PAD;

FIG. 11A illustrates the Rolling like a Ball performed on The Reformer;

FIG. 11B illustrates the Rolling like a Ball performed using the PAD;

FIG. 12A illustrates the Saw performed on The Pilates Mat; and

FIG. 12B illustrates the Saw performed using the PAD.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

With continued reference to the drawings, FIG. 1 discloses a PilatesAquatics Device (PAD) including a rectangular-shaped board showngenerally at 1 and straps 18, 19 and 20. The board is generallyrectangular shaped and is buoyant and floats in water and can be made ofvarious materials, for example high-density closed-cell foam or otherknown closed-cell polymeric materials. In some embodiments, the boardcan be constructed from other buoyant natural or man-made materials. Theboard may be one piece or layered, as shown in FIG. 1. In someembodiments, the board can also be hollow.

Both ends 12 and 16 of the board are symmetrical and preferably concaveportions as seen at 5 and 6 to allow the board to ergonomically fitunder the armpit or in the hand. The sides 10 and 14 of the board aregenerally straight from one end to the other with rounded corners thatlead to the ends 12 and 16. The ends 12 and 16 are ergonomic for thehand and tuck nicely under the armpit for Pilates Repertoire skills suchas The One Hundred.

Every edge is preferably rounded to make it comfortable for the handsand feet, and allows for easy ergonomic gripping of the board and thusoffers more control of the board. The board is rigid so it does not bendin the water but the surface preferably has a slight softness to it, soit is comfortable to touch and will not put pressure on the user'sjoints. Surfaces 9 and 11 allow the hand or foot to slide under thestraps, but are not slippery, so the feet and hands can stay naturallyin the straps when using the board.

The PAD is large enough but not so large that it is unwieldy, and isshaped to accommodate various sizes of hands and feet. Its shape isdesigned to accommodate feet of various sizes to fit on the board whenboth legs are parallel, turned out and when using one leg. Its shapeallows the user to perform skills close to a step or wall of a swimmingpool without hitting it, but it is large enough to provide the rightamount of buoyancy in and resistance through the water.

Thus it can be seen that the PAD described above comprises a board 1that is generally rectangular, planar, and buoyant. The board has topsurface 9 and bottom surface 11, and first and second sides 10 and 14that are generally parallel to each other with a longitudinal axis 8midway therebetween. The board has first and second ends 12 and 16 whichare generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 8.

Three straps 18, 19 and 20 defining corresponding loops are located onthe top surface 9 of the PAD where the loops are located along the axis8 and the loops define openings perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 8for insertion of a user's hands or feet to control the PAD.

In some embodiments, multiple PADs may be strapped together. In otherembodiments, a modified PAD can include one or more boards with orwithout straps that may be sandwiched together for additional strengthand/or buoyancy. The additional board(s) may be of equal or differentthicknesses. See FIGS. 1A and 1B.

FIG. 1A is a cross-section showing three straps 18, 19 and 20 extendingthrough openings 30, 31, 32 and 33 through two board layers 2 and 3. Thestraps may be adjustably secured below board layer 3 by conventionalmeans such as hook-and-loop strips and buckles 21, 22 and 23 or othertypes of fasteners. In some embodiments, one long strap can be woventhrough the openings 30, 31, 32 and 33. In additional embodiments, theindividual straps can be adjustable in length to change the size of theloops defined between the straps and the top surface 9 to accommodatevarious size hands or feet. In other embodiments, a single layer can beused.

FIG. 1B shows an alternative embodiment of board 1 comprising multiplelayers 2, 3 and 4. As shown, layers 2, 3 and 4 may be of unequalthickness or density to accommodate the size, weight and strength or theuser, and the specific Pilates skill performed. Some Pilates skillsrequire more resistance or buoyancy; some require less.

The above-described combinations of boards may be supplied as a kitwhich can include a secondary optional device that attaches severalboards together such as an elastic band that encircles the boards, or anextra set of straps that attach the boards together using the slots orexisting straps, or a clip.

There are three adjustable straps 18, 19, 20, for example Velcro or thelike, or other fastening devices, attached to the top 9 and/or bottom 11of the board that are spaced, for example, 4¾″ to 5″ apart and arethreaded through the board defining three loops on the top surface ofthe board, the loops aligned along the axis, the loops defining openingsperpendicular to the axis for insertion of a user's hands or feet tocontrol the PAD. “Loops” and “openings” are used interchangeably herein.

The straps may extend from the top to the bottom of the board(s) andVelcro or the like or other fastening devices at the bottom of the board11. The slots 30, 31, 32, 33 for the straps are, for example, ½″ to 5/8″wide and approximately 2½″ long. The straps run longitudinally down themidline of the board. The straps are inset approximately 2″ in from theend of the board.

The left side of the middle strap 19 threads through the same slot 31 asthe left strap 18, and the right side of the middle strap threadsthrough the same slot 32 as the right strap 20. The straps are between16″ to 24″ long and are adjustable.

The functions of the straps are: (1) to provide means to hold multipleboards together, (2) to attach the user's hand(s) or foot (feet) to theboard to perform Pilates and other skills on or in the water at allangles and planes, (3) to allow the user to push or pull the boardthrough the water at all angles and planes, and (4) to prevent the boardfrom flying out from under the user's hands or feet while moving.

Other means for holding multiple boards together, such as elastic bands,straps with buckles, straps with fasteners, etc., may be utilized inexemplary embodiments.

A piece, for example 2″×5″, of Neoprene or the like to provide comfortfor the hand or foot that is contacting the strap may be glued orotherwise affixed to the inside of each strap. The straps are 2″ wide inorder to hold different size feet and hands comfortably on the board.Straps, if too thin, are not comfortable and the performer does not haveas much control of the PAD; if too wide, they would not accommodatesmaller hands and feet.

The straps 18, 19, and 20 are adjustable depending on the size of thefoot or hand, or depending upon the number of boards that are attached.The ends of the straps 18, 19 and 20 are adjustable with fasteningdevices such as buckles, Velcro tabs or the like on the bottom of theboard 11. The space of apex of the loop from the board is approximately1¼″ to 1½″ high to allow a foot or hand in, but it can be adjusted.

The spacing of the straps is important for several reasons: (1) Toaccommodate feet of various sizes to fit on the board when both legs areparallel, turned out and when using one leg. (2) To accommodate allsizes of hands to be inserted into the straps. (3) Alignment of thehands and arms in a proper biomechanical line with the shoulders, andbody; and the legs and feet in proper biomechanical relationship withthe hips. (4) The middle strap 19 is placed directly in the middle ofthe board to obtain a correct biomechanical relationship of the hand andarm with the shoulders, and body; and the legs and foot in properbiomechanical relationship with the hips. (5) Therefore the positions ofall three straps 18, 19 and 20 protect the joints and promotebiomechanical efficiency and proper technique. (6) The middle strap 19is placed in the middle of the board for ideal control and stability ofthe board moving through water. The outer straps 18 and 20 also promotecontrol and stability of the board.

A person can insert a foot in the outer straps 18 and 20 when performinga skill with both legs. A person can insert a hand in the outer straps18 and 20 when using both arms during a skill. When using a single armor leg, the person inserts his/her hand or foot in the center strap 19.The straps are placed so the arms are in the correct biomechanicalrelationship with the shoulders, and the legs and feet are in correctbiomechanical relationship with the hips.

Thus the placement of the straps promotes proper ergonomics andbiomechanics when a skill is performed. It also aligns the body andlimbs in a correct line with counter-balancing forces when pushing theboard down and up vertically in the water.

The person performing a Pilates Repertoire can use one, two, three orfour boards depending on the height and weight, and skill level of theperformer, and the movement that is being performed. Some skills requiremore buoyancy and/or resistance through the water, some require less.Larger or more dense people will tend to need more buoyancy than smalleror less dense people.

The Pilates Aquatics Device (PAD) allows a person to perform the PilatesRepertoire and other systems of movement (inspired by skills based onyoga, Moshe Feldenkrais, Gyrotonic® and dance) in the water in variousways that were never offered before. A person can use the PAD toreplicate the movements that are performed on the Pilates apparatus suchas the Pilates Wunda Chair, High Chair, The Universal Reformer (oftenreferred to as “The Reformer”), The Cadillac, The Ped-a-Pul, the SpineCorrector and other Pilates apparatus. The above apparatus, with theexception of the Spine Corrector, are illustrated in FIG. 2A-2F.

The resistance of the PAD traveling through the water, and the buoyancyof the PAD in the water, is similar to the motion and action of thefollowing: The springs of the Pilates Apparatus; the pedal of theChairs; the carriage (barre and straps) of the Reformer; the barre onthe Cadillac. They all require the student to control the motion throughfunctional movement and use of center (hereinafter also referred to as“core”).

A person using the PAD can perform the Pilates Repertoire in many wayswith either the hand(s) or foot (feet) attached to the board: (1)Sitting on the edge of the pool. (2) Lying on the edge of the pool. (3)Kneeling on the edge of the pool. (4) In the pool and hands on the edgeor wall of the pool. (5) Standing in the pool with the hand(s) or feet(foot) on the board. (6) Sitting on the stair of the pool. (7) Standingon the stairs of the pool. (8) Performing a front or back plank with thehands or feet on the board. (9) Lying on the side with the head on theboard and the hands on the step. (10) Lying prone on the board with theboard crossways performing the Pilates Mat and Reformer Box work. (11)Lying supine in the water with the boards tucked under the armpits andthe hands on the end of the board, so each arm is on the board, and (12)many more options. There are over 200 skills that can be performed usingthe Pilates Aquatics Device.

Practitioners of various skill level and health, age, size and shape canuse the PAD. It can be used to help the user recover from injury andpain, or from back, neck or posture problems. The work increases theuser's balance, center/core flexibility, strength, coordination,control, and breathing. The work can enhance alignment, posture andgait, sports and dance performance. It can be gentle, but it can alsochallenge the most advanced athletes, acrobats, and fitnessprofessionals.

Moving in the water is supportive of joints and acts as a smooth forceof resistance. The water provides a greater proprioceptive challenge forsome of the skills because of its motion. Some of the advanced skillsthat require moving or supporting the body weight are easier to do inthe water. Therefore a student or practitioner with certain physicalrestrictions can learn these advanced skills in a safer environmentwithout risk of injury. This also enables a student or practitioner ofPilates to try the advanced repertoire earlier than would otherwise bepossible.

Using the Pilates Aquatics Device can be advantageous since it is small,portable and is an affordable option for performing the PilatesApparatus work. Pilates apparatus cost between $900 and $6000 each. TheUniversal Reformer costs between $3,000 and $5,500. The Cadillac costsbetween $3,500 and $5,600. The Chairs cost between $900 and $1900. ThePed-a-pul costs between $500 and $1,000. The Pilates Mat costs between$1,000 and $1500. The Spine Corrector costs between $300 and $600.

Pilates studios or Fitness Centers that offer classes must own numerousapparatus (more than $80,000 worth for example) which requires a lot ofmoney and a large space (which can be costly to rent). The creation ofthe PAD also opens up the opportunity to conduct or practice Pilatesexercise classes in a brand-new venue: that is, swimming pools and othersuitable bodies of water.

The Pilates Aquatics Device can be used at Fitness, Recreation, orPhysical Therapy facilities, at Country Clubs and other venues that donot own Pilates apparatus, do not own enough apparatus to offercomprehensive classes, or do not have the space for numerous apparatus,but do have a swimming pool.

A person can use a PAD while travelling or on retreat. A teacher canteach a student the entire Pilates Repertoire during private,semi-private or class sessions without having access to the apparatus.Practitioners will also enjoy the opportunity to practice Pilatesoutside rather than always indoors. Joseph Hubertus Pilates loved theoutdoors and often worked with his springs on the outside of his barn athis countryside home.

So it follows the philosophy of Mr. Pilates' appreciation of health andbeing outdoors. It provides more environments and opportunities forpractitioners of the Pilates Repertoire. This is advantageous, sincePilates is a known method to enhance health and fitness.

The Pilates Aquatics Device is unique and has a multitude ofimprove-ments and advancements over the kick board.

No kick board has previously been made that is designed with threestraps (for feet or hands) placed on it. No kick board has been madewith three straps threaded down the longitudinal midline. The PilatesAquatics Device is unique, and an improvement on the function of thekick board.

No device has been specifically designed for performing the ClassicPilates Apparatus Repertoire in the water.

Hundreds of Pilates skills can be performed on the Pilates AquaticsDevice that replicate the skills performed on many of the Pilatesapparatus. The straps 18, 19 and 20 keep the hands and feet to the boardallowing the user to move the board in all directions, like the motionof the Pilates apparatus, and also prevent the board from flying outuncontrollably when pushing down on it in the water.

The PAD in the water is extremely effective at causing the user to (1)automatically find center (“core”), (2) perform the Pilates' skill withproper mechanics, and (3) feel the internal muscles work immediately.The water supports joints, provides smooth resistance and is safe andnon-impact. The Pilates Repertoire performed on the Pilates AquaticsDevice can provide a greater proprioceptive challenge in the water thanwhen the Repertoire is done with the Pilates apparatus, because of themotion of the water, demanding that the user work optimally with gravityand the principles of physics.

The water often places the user in the proper position. Much of thePilates Chair Repertoire for the Pilates Aquatics Device requires thebody, leg or arm to be perpendicular in order to successfully master theskill.

What follows is a more detailed description of how the PilatesRepertoire performed on the prior art devices shown in FIGS. 2A through2F can be replicated on the PAD with emphasis on the structural featuresof the PAD that make this replication possible.

The above-described structural features of the PAD make possible thePilates Repertoire in the water. Reference to the drawings willillustrate that this is possible and emphasize the structural featuresof the board that make it possible. It can be seen that the PAD has beencarefully devised in its structural features to achieve such things asthe potential to use the PAD at the sidewall of a pool, to tuck underthe armpit of the user, etc.

FIG. 3A illustrates classic Pilates Footwork routine performed on thePilates Wunda Chair 51. The Wunda Chair is one of the Pilates Chairs.Sit on the top of the chair with the feet on the pedal. The Footwork canbe performed with the heels, arches or toes on the pedal, with the feetin parallel or turned out with the hips in external rotation and thefeet in the “V” position. Inhale, push down the pedal, hold it downthree counts, exhale allow the pedal to slowly come up. Press the handsagainst the front of the Chair 51 to engage the back of the shoulder.

FIG. 3B illustrates classic Pilates Footwork routine performed using thePilates Aquatics Device. The Chair Footwork is performed using thePilates Aquatics Device by sitting on the edge of the swimming pool withthe feet placed in the outer straps 18, 20. Perform this skill the sameway, with the same goals, with the feet in parallel and turned out inthe “V.”

The straps are situated on the board so the legs and feet are in correctalignment with the hips both in the parallel and “V” turned outposition, and the straps are located just far enough from each other andin the right position on the board to allow the heels to press togetheron the “V” position. The straps are placed in the midline of the PAD sothe feet are in the middle (longitudinal) of the PAD so the PAD cansuccessfully be pushed down in a balanced manner through the water, withthe PAD remaining relatively horizontal as it travels through the water.

The buoyancy and surface area of the PAD provides the same resistance asthe springs on the chair as the PAD is pushed down, and the user mustcontrol the board coming up in the same way as a user must control thepedal of the Chair 51 coming up. The length of the PAD is as wide as theChair 51 pedal. The length of the PAD provides a surface area largeenough to have the correct buoyancy (and resistance) but is not toolarge that it becomes difficult to manage.

It is wide enough and long enough for all foot sizes to fit comfortablyon the PAD and in the straps 18 and 20 with the feet both in paralleland in the “V” position. Push down the board, hold it down three counts,and then allow the PAD slowly to come up. Press the hands against thewall of the pool to engage the back of the shoulder.

FIG. 4A illustrates the classic Pilates One Leg Pull on the Chair 51.Stand in front of the chair, facing the chair. Place the hands on thehandles, legs together. Place the left foot on the pedal and bring thepedal down to the floor. Inhale, swing the left leg up to bring thepedal up. Exhale, swing the pedal down, keeping the leg bent. This canbe performed with the hands on the hips.

FIG. 4B illustrates the One Leg Pull on The Pilates Aquatics Device:Stand in the water on a step or on the bottom of the swimming poolholding onto the railing. It can also be performed with the hands on thehips. The left foot is in the middle strap 19 of The Pilates AquaticsDevice and the leg is bent in front of the user. The PAD is wide enough,and the strap long enough to allow the foot to be centered comfortablyin the strap and on the board. The strap secures the foot to the boardso it does not fly out when performing this skill. This skill requiresthe adjustment of the strap to secure the foot to the board snuggly, soit does not slide on the surface of the board. The board and the strapare non-slippery so the foot remains in the strap.

The neoprene lining on the strap is soft around the foot and both theneoprene and substance of the board keeps the foot in the strap to allowthe foot to travel through the water in a way similar as the 51 Chairpedal. The foam is hard enough to be stable in the water withoutfolding. The dimensions of the board provide the buoyancy similar to theresistance provided by the 51 Chair's springs. Exhale, swing the leg andthe board down from the hip keeping the leg bent. Inhale, swing the leftleg up to bring the board up with control.

FIG. 5A illustrates The Reverse Swan or Torso Press: Sit on the top ofthe 51 Chair facing the back with the front edge of the 51 Chair onehand's width away. Place your hands on the pedal with the fingers facingforwards. Inhale, push the pedal down and lower your body three inches.Exhale, bring the pedal up, sliding your body toward the ceiling.

FIG. 5B illustrates the Reverse Swan or Torso Press Sit on the PAD. Siton the area near the edge of the pool facing away from the pool with theseat one hand's width away from the edge of pool. The Pilates AquaticsDevice™ is in the water next to the wall. Place the hands in the outerstraps 18 and 20 of the Pilates Aquatics Device with the fingers facingforwards.

The straps 18 and 20 are the correct distance apart so the arms are inthe proper alignment directly below the shoulders. Strap 18 and 20 arealso placed equidistant from each end 12 and 16 so that an even force iseffectively distributed on the PAD to control the PAD in the water. Thestraps hold the hands comfortably to the PAD.

The straps are placed on the longitudinal midline of the PAD so it isstable when the hands are attached to it and in the Reverse Swan itallows the PAD to travel vertically through the water in a balanced way,replicating the motion of the 51 Chair pedal. The width of the PAD issuch that it is not too wide, and does not hit up against the wall whileusing it. The length of the PAD is as wide as the 51 Chair pedal. Thestraight edges 10 and 14 lie parallel with the straight wall, and thusdiminishes the chance of hitting the wall. Push the PAD down about threeinches, lowering the body. Then bring the board up.

FIG. 6A illustrates the classic Pilates Sit Twist on the Chair 51. Siton top of the Chair 51, with the seat one hand's width from the front,facing back, in the same position as the Reverse Swan. Place the lefthand on the pedal. Look at the left hand the entire time. The right armis reaching to the wall and is by the ear. Inhale, push the pedal down,exhale, come up (bringing the pedal up) while rotating towards the left.

FIG. 6B Illustrates the Sit Twist using The Pilates Aquatics Device. Siton the area near the edge of the pool facing away from the pool in thesame position as the Reverse Swan. The seat is one hand's width awayfrom the edge of pool. The Pilates Aquatics Device is in the water nextto the wall. Place the left hand in the middle strap of the PilatesAquatics Device. The hand feels secure because the strap is wide enough(but not too wide), is adjustable and has a neoprene pad under it, andthe surface of the board is slightly soft and not slippery.

The center strap 19 is in the center of the board so that the user'shand can be placed in the center of the board, thus enabling the user topush the PAD through the water with a centered force, allowing forsuccessful control of the PAD. The width of the PAD is such that it isnot too wide, and does not hit up against the wall while using it.

The straight edges of edge 10 and 14 lie parallel with the straightwall, and thus diminishes the chance of hitting the wall. The arm isstraight, but not hyper-extended or rotated. Look at the left hand theentire time. The right arm is long and is by the ear. Inhale, push thePilates Aquatics Device down, lower the body, exhale, come up (bringingthe board up) while rotating towards the left.

FIG. 7A illustrates a classic Pilates exercise performed on ThePed-a-pul 55, the Side Arm Pulls. Stand on the base with the feet inPilates “V,” spine against the pole. Place the hands in the handles,fingers long. Bring the arms out to the side in the peripheral vision,hands just below shoulder height. Inhale, pull the springs down to theside. Exhale, bring the hands up.

FIG. 7B illustrates performing the Side Arm Pulls using two of thePilates Aquatics Devices. Stand in the pool with the feet in Pilates“V.” Place each hand into the middle strap 19 of each board. Thebuoyancy of the board replicates the resistance of the springs of the 55Ped-a-pul. The neoprene lining on the strap is soft around the hand andboth the neoprene and substance of the board keeps the hand in the strapto allow the PAD to travel through the water in a way similar as the 55Ped-a-pul handles.

The middle strap 19 is placed in the middle of the board for efficient,even travel of the PAD through the water. The dimensions of the PAD aresuch that it is not too big and unwieldy for this skill. Bring the armsout to the side in the peripheral vision. Inhale, pull the boards downto the side. Exhale, bring the hands up with control.

FIG. 8A illustrates the classic One Hundred exercise on The Reformer 53.Look forward. Straps in the hands. Start pumping the straight arms fromthe back of the shoulder. Inhale at a continuous, controlled rate forfive counts. Exhale at a continuous, controlled rate for five counts.

FIG. 8B illustrates the One Hundred as performed using the PAD. TwoPilates Aquatics Devices will be needed. Tuck one Pilates AquaticsDevice under each armpit. The concave portion of end 16 fits nicely inthe armpit. FIG. 8b intentionally does not show the board fully seatedin the armpit to illustrate the curve of the end 12 of the board is ashape that conforms to the armpit. Wrap the hand around the oppositeconcave portion 5 of end 12 of the board, which conforms to the user'shand. The PAD is made of firm foam so it is rigid, but the soft outersurface is comfortable under the hand and feels like it conforms to thehand. The curved end 12 and the beveled edge also helps secure the PADin the hand.

The arm runs along the longitudinal axis of the board (unless the userhas short arms, in which case the board can be held the short way).Float the body and legs up and forwards into the One Hundred position.Legs long. Look forward. Start pumping the arms and PADs from the backof the shoulder. Inhale at a continuous, controlled rate for fivecounts. Exhale at a continuous, controlled rate for 5 counts.

When the PADs push down on the water they provide resistance to thearms, enabling control of the PADs coming up just as the straps on the53 Reformer, or the Springs on the 52 Cadillac. The boards may bepositioned sideways with the thumbs facing up and the palms facing in,or the user can try pulsing the boards down and up with the palms downand the bottom of the boards facing the water for a bigger challenge.

FIG. 9A illustrates the classic Pilates Knee Stretches on The Reformer(53). Sit back onto the heels with the body rounded in a cat position.(1) Inhale, press the legs back. (2) Exhale, quickly bring the carriageforward to home. Keep the body still, while the thighs pendulum back andforward.

FIG. 9B illustrates Knee Stretches using the Pilates Aquatics Device.The feet are in the outer straps 18 and 20 of the Pilates AquaticsDevice. The outer straps allow ergonomic placement of the legs in linewith the hips, and are as wide as if the user were on The Reformer. Thestraps must be adjusted to keep the feet securely on the board. Put thehands on the top or second step of the pool, shoulders above the hands,the body in a plank position. Feet and PAD in the water behind the body.Exhale, bend the legs in, bring the PAD forward. The belly pulls thePilates Aquatics Device in.

Inhale, stretch the legs back pushing the PAD back. Keep the body still,while the thighs pendulum back and forward. The straps 18 and 20 keepthe feet attached to the board as it travels. The water and PAD provideresistance that makes the abdominals work. The oblong shape of the boardallows it to travel without hitting the step or the bottom of the pool.The board is rigid so it does not bend as it travels through the water.The surface of the board and the straps is soft and non-slippery to keepthe feet comfortable and secure.

FIG. 10A illustrates the classic Pilates exercise called The Star on TheReformer. The body is in a long line like a fence. Inhale, push throughthe left arm to draw the carriage away. Exhale, pull the carriage in,reach through the crown of the head.

FIG. 10B Illustrates The Star performed using the Pilates AquaticsDevice. The feet are on the bottom of the pool and the left hand is inthe middle strap 19 of the PAD. The strap keeps the hand attached to theboard and the middle strap 19 allows the force placed on the board bythe hand to be centered, and thus balanced. The body is in a long linelike a fence. Inhale, push through the left arm to push the PAD awayslightly. Exhale, pull the PAD in, reach through the crown of the head.

It is proprioceptively challenging since water has motion, so the usermust use his or her center. However, the water is supportive, and thePAD buoyant enough that it is less stressful on the shoulder and neck inthis version than performing it on the 53 Reformer or Mat 54. Thereforemore people can try this skill, and perfect it before trying it on land.

FIG. 11A illustrates the classic Pilates Rolling-Like-A-Ball Repertoireon the Pilates Mat 54. Inhale, curl the tail and roll the lower bodyaway from the legs. Exhale, roll back watching a point on the wall infront of you. Inhale, breathe into the back lungs to roll up. Keepwatching that point on the wall.

FIG. 11B Illustrates using the PAD to perform the Rolling-Like-A-BallRepertoire. Two Pilates Aquatics Devices will be needed. Tuck onePilates Aquatics Device under each armpit (with the concave end portion6 fitting nicely under the armpit). Straighten the arm and wrap the handaround the opposite (concave) end portion 5 of the board. The concaveshape, beveled edge and the texture of the board fits securely in thehand. The board is rigid so it will not bend, and will provide buoyancyand support for the body in the water. Its shape allows it to fit underthe arm, while it is not too large or too small.

Float the body and legs up and forwards into the tucked position.Inhale, exhale roll like a ball forwards. Inhale, exhale, roll backwatching a point in front of you. It is challenging remaining in thetucked position. People who have restrictions in the back will be ableto perform this easier in the water than on the Pilates Mat 54.

The disclosure set forth above may encompass multiple distinct exemplaryembodiments each having independent utility. Although each of theseembodi-ments has been disclosed in a particular form, the specificembodiments thereof as disclosed and illustrated herein are not to beconsidered in a limiting sense, because numerous variations arepossible.

The subject matter of the disclosure includes all novel and non-obviouscombinations and subcombinations of the various elements, features,functions, and/or properties disclosed herein.

The following claims particularly point out certain combinations andsubcombinations regarded as novel and nonobvious. Devices embodied inother combinations and subcombinations of features, functions, elements,and/or properties may be claimed in this application, in applicationsclaiming priority from this application, or in related applications.Such claims, whether directed to a different or alternate embodiments,and whether broader, narrower, equal, or different in scope incomparison to the original claims, also are regarded as included withinthe subject matter of the disclosure.

What is claimed is:
 1. A Pilates Aquatics Device (PAD) comprising: aboard, said board being generally rectangular, planar, buoyant, andhaving top and bottom surfaces, first and second sides that aregenerally parallel to one another with a longitudinal axis midwaytherebetween, first and second ends generally perpendicular to saidlongitudinal axis; and a strap defining three loops on the top surfaceof said board, said loops aligned along said axis, said loops definingopenings perpendicular to said axis for insertion of a user's hands orfeet to control said PAD.
 2. A PAD as in claim 1 wherein said first andsecond ends are generally symmetrical in shape.
 3. A PAD as in claim 2wherein said first and second ends are concave, defining contouredsurfaces to secure and control said PAD between hand and armpit of auser.
 4. A PAD as in claim 1 wherein said board is made from a polymericclosed cell foam.
 5. A PAD as in claim 1 further includes a plurality ofboards and means to connect said boards together.
 6. A PAD as in claim 5wherein said means to connect said boards together is said strap.
 7. APAD as in claim 1 wherein said board has openings through said top andbottom surfaces and said strap is inserted in said slots to define saidloops.
 8. A PAD as in claim 1 wherein said strap is a plurality ofstraps.
 9. A PAD as in claim 1 wherein said loops comprise a first,second and third loop which are aligned and spaced from each other alongsaid longitudinal axis, said second loop positioned approximately midwaybetween first and second ends to enable a user to control said PAD withbalanced force exerted on said board with either a hand or foot of auser inserted in said second loop.
 10. A PAD as in claim 9 wherein saidfirst and third loops are spaced longitudinally apart from one anothersymmetrically about said second loop a sufficient distance to allow auser to control said PAD with either both hands or both feet insertedseparately in said first and third loops.